One of Richards Early Crossroads

Post by **garfy1974** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:32 pm

I'm half way through Richards book and I have to say that, bullshit aside, it is a great, great read.

Man, he may have done some questionable shit in his early life, but he has wrung the life that he has been given bone dry. Truly inspirational.

Now, I have a number of questions (after reading only half of it) but the main one that pops into my mind is this; do you think that Richard would've gone into comedy if his mother, and not his grandmother, had gained custody of him? He loved the limited time that he had on his mothers farm and recalls it as the happiest time of his life. If he'd gone with her when asked by the judge at the alimony trial, then we'd all not be here (by my amateur psychoanalytical skills) because he'd be a radically different guy. Maybe.

(On a lighter note, this section of the book reminds me of a Chris Rock skit that says 'You know if a kid is going to jail if he calls his grandmother Mom and him mother Kim. In that case you ain't saving college money - you saving bail.')

I have more talking points for those people that have been lucky enough to not have to remortgage their homes to buy a copy, but this is the first.

Whadyareckon???

Post by **SweetLuchia** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:52 pm

garfy1974,

That's a deep question but it isn't even one I'm willing to ponder b/c I believe God had Mr. Pryor's life pre-ordained before he was even born.***B4 I go any further, let me say I do NOT believe God puts us through any type of pain in this world. I do believe however that any pain we experience comes at the hands of someone else's choice or the choices we make ourselves. But the "Lessons" we learn as a result of that pain ARE God given.***
God knew Mr. Pryor would take all the pain he experienced as a child and use it to make us smile so for me the "What if" question is irrelevant

but it's cool of you to ask and it makes me even more anixous for Mr. P's book to come out again.
Thanks.

Post by **cbreez0101** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:59 pm

SweetLuchia,
predestination??? lookout people, we got a quaker in our ranks!

cb

Post by **cbreez0101** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 2:00 pm

p.s. everyone, i'm working hard on making excerpts from Richard's and Jenny's books to put up on this site. yowza!!

cb

Post by **SweetLuchia** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 2:50 pm

cbreez0101,

A quaker? LOL I'm not familiar with them or what they believe in. Honestly I think ALL organized religions are just another way to try and control people and take their money.
The point I was trying to make was that..no matter what the world threw at Mr. Pryor, God was going to take it and use it for the overall good--including the pain Mr. P inflicted on himself. Just look at "Live On Sunset Strip" he took the most painful night of his life and used it to make us laugh. Richard Pryor IS anointed and yes predestined by God to do great things in this world

Post by **cire** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:05 pm

Yeah, everyone in here should read the book. It's hard to close it once you open it. Very moving, just like his material. It always amazes me how he is able to make you think, analyze, and discover within yourself. The book does this too.
All religion n' shit aside. God is the ultimate creator, and blesses everyone in life in different ways. I think an artist's goal is to try to mimic God, and bless people however we can through our own creations. With that being said, Richard is one of the greatest artist of ALL time, because I haven't seen anyone touch people to that high of a degree through their art form like he did. You achieved the ultimate greatness Rich. Very inspirational. we love you

Post by **garfy1974** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:09 pm

Y'all,

I gotta take exception to this. I'm not god fearing, I don't believe that he moulded all our asses from clay and that he's looking down on us (pergatory here I come).

The point I was asking was this; do you think RP's sense of humour and comedy came as a result of the hardship that he faced growing up or would this have been totally or partially diminished had he had the more peaceful upbringing? Personally I do (he's probably the only person that could answer that though).

God!!! I'm not knocking anyones beliefs but who the hell needs to bring him into this, hasn't he caused enough trouble. (Chill, I'm just teasing)

Post by **SweetLuchia** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:38 pm

garfy1974,

You don't believe God has a destiny for you? Man I don't know how you get through life. I guess we all survive in our own way.
As for the revised version of your earlier question, I again have to apologize b/c due to my faith, I still find it irrelevant.
But be patient, maybe some of the other members will give you the answer you're looking for

Post by **cire** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:16 am

Of course being raised in a country area, opposed to the inner city is gonna make a big difference on a persons experiences and perspctive. We're all products of our environments, right. Where you're from is a big part of what makes you who you are. I respect that Richard never forgot where he was from... mentioned peoria in just about every album.